> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gta.clothing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gta.clothing/cloth-modding/blender-and-sollumz-setup.md).

# Blender and Sollumz Setup

## Introduction

Blender is used to edit the mesh, UVs, materials and weights. Sollumz adds the GTA drawable hierarchy, shaders, LOD tools and import/export support needed for the clothing workflow. CodeWalker prepares the XML files used by this walkthrough, while Durty Cloth Tool turns the finished item into a complete addon resource.

## Install Blender and Sollumz

Use a Blender version supported by the stable Sollumz release you install. Old clothing tutorials may refer to Blender 3.x and older Sollumz links; check the [official Sollumz installation guide](https://docs.sollumz.org/getting-started/installation) before choosing a version.

For Blender 4.2 and newer, the documented extension installation is:

1. Open `Edit > Preferences > Get Extensions`.
2. Open `Repositories`, press `+`, then choose **Add Remote Repository**.
3. Add `https://repo.sollumz.org/`.
4. Search for `Sollumz` and install the stable **Sollumz** extension.

Avoid **Sollumz (Development)** for your first project. It is intended for testing changes and may be unstable. If you are using another supported Blender version, follow the ZIP installation steps on the same official page.

Restart Blender after installation. Current Sollumz releases show **RAGE Asset** entries in Blender's Import and Export menus, along with the **Sollumz Tools** panels. Older versions, or installations with **Legacy Import/Export** enabled, may show separate **CodeWalker XML** menu entries instead.

{% hint style="info" %}
With the optional PyMateria dependency installed, Sollumz 2.8 and newer can also work with supported native Legacy and Enhanced resource formats on Windows. This walkthrough uses CodeWalker XML because the files are easy to inspect and Durty Cloth Tool can import the resulting YDD and YTD XML directly. See the [Sollumz releases](https://github.com/Sollumz/Sollumz/releases) for current format and Blender support.
{% endhint %}

## Prepare the Other Tools

You will also need:

* [**Blender**](https://www.blender.org/download/) for the authoring workspace.
* [**CodeWalker RPF Explorer**](https://github.com/dexyfex/CodeWalker) to locate reference assets and export the XML workflow used in this guide.
* [**Durty Cloth Tool**](/getting-started/quickstart.md) to import the finished model and texture, analyze it, preview it and build the target resource.
* An image editor that preserves RGB and alpha channels when you start editing diffuse, normal or specular textures.

This guide assumes you can navigate the Blender viewport, select objects in the Outliner, switch between Object/Edit/Weight Paint modes and find properties and modifiers. If those controls are unfamiliar, work through Blender's [Getting Started manual](https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/getting_started/index.html) and Sollumz's [Creating Your First Asset](https://docs.sollumz.org/getting-started/creating-your-first-asset) before continuing.

## Create a Safe Workspace

Keep source, Blender and exported files separate so a failed edit never overwrites your only working copy:

```
my-clothing-project/
├─ source/       Original exports
├─ blender/      .blend files
├─ export/       New YDD/YTD XML exports
└─ textures/     Editable source images
```

Save a new `.blend` version before destructive operations such as joining meshes, applying modifiers, merging vertices or generating LODs.

{% hint style="info" %}
Durty Cloth Tool copies imported appearance files into its project data folder and generates the final collection names, indices and platform metadata during the build. Keep your editable Blender/source workspace separate from that managed project folder.
{% endhint %}

Continue with the [Complete Walkthrough](/cloth-modding/complete-walktrough.md) when the Sollumz menus are available in Blender.